There may be one big reason why some children did not pass the third-grade reading assessment: they couldn’t see properly.

Because of that, the Mississippi Optometric Association and the Mississippi Vision Foundation have teamed up to provide eye exams at no cost for those students who did not pass the test.

The offer is for those students who do not have vision insurance, which will greatly benefit many.

The exams also were offered last year, and 88 percent of the students who were tested were found to be in some need of visual assistance.

Lafayette County is most definitely involved with this project. There are three participating physicians in Lafayette County, and we are thankful for them being willing to help the children of this county. To find the physician closest to you, visit msvisionfoundation.org, click find an eye doctor and search by county. You can also call 601-572-0845.

Everyone has a vested interest in ensuring Mississippi’s children have a proper education and have every opportunity to excel in school. Their futures and the future of our state depends on the younger generations learning, and we thank the optometrists who stepped up to do their part to make it happen.